Horned Viper
Vipera ammodytes, very dangerous. Approach with telephoto, if possible...
This one seemed docile enough to be photographed from lesser distance, but the ...
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Vipera ammodytes, very dangerous. Approach with telephoto, if possible...
This one seemed docile enough to be photographed from lesser distance, but the experience was quite... interesting. Best to avoid altogether...
Read less
This one seemed docile enough to be photographed from lesser distance, but the experience was quite... interesting. Best to avoid altogether...
Read less
Dec, 2013Views
415
Likes
Awards
Winner in European Vipers Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Rather stay clear of them Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Jaw Dropping
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Emotions
Impressed
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Photo was made in the yard behind the house. While lifting a rug off the wall where it was drying - whoops, the snake was under it!Time
May 21st, 2011. - 12:17:51 PMLighting
Noon sunlight, and no other source. But Exif remembered Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec, f/4.9, ISO 80, 0.00 eV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Flash: Auto (Did not fire), Focal Length:18.6 mm, and White Balance Details: AutoEquipment
Canon Powershot D10, small enough to take along even just to the back yard... because one never knows, and small cameras are easy to always have at hand!Inspiration
Macedonia has many snakes. Some sorts are venomous (like this one), but majority are not. We rarely see those venomous snakes since there are no rodents around on which these feed. So it is more likely to encounter more dangerous snakes in the forests and rocky mountain areas. So, whenever we see a snake that is not of our usual watersnake variety, we grab a camera and try to photograph it. Their reputation and rarity is obviously inspiration enough!Editing
If I recall correctly, it was only some cropping. My wife and me made about ten photos before the snake decided to slither out of sight, and lighting conditions were good enough for making sufficiently good photos without any need for subsequent tweaks.In my camera bag
My photo vest pockets are quite voluminous to hold all I need, so no reason to carry any kind of bag. I tend to take along two cameras; one is usually a prosumer, the other is always waterproof. This is because I expect all kinds of themes at all times, and such combination makes me ready. Beside cameras I carry spare batteries, some ND and CPL filters. When I need to fix the camera for any reason, there is a lightweight camera clamp, playing the role of an impromptu tripod . Then there is a pocket knife sturdy enough to become a fixing point for the clamp. I'll have a length of paracord string, a lighter... and I'll improvise, MacGuyver style, if need arises. For a day-long trip I'll have along a rainproof poncho (cover-all), maybe a sandwich, chocolate, and water bottle... That's it, and no need for backpack or bag. To be quite frank, if I plan on more serious outing, there will be my Niva 4WD - the best photo mule one can wish for! In there I can also spend the night. But that's a lot more than a photo bag... :)Feedback
Simple and to-the-point: be always ready for a photo chance to appear! Have a camera by hand at all times. Let that camera be as simple as a Point & Shoot so you just need to turn it on and... well, point and shoot! The more you have your camera along, the more themes will appear. Oh, and do be careful when encountering a Horned viper...
